Biker Patches

When we talk about biker rocker patches we definitely refer to the elements of a three-piece patch. Biker rocker patches are either the top or bottom sections of that type of biker patch. Those who sport or are allowed to put on a three-piece patch are designated as members of traditional or rebel motorcycle clubs. One way to understand why there are rocker patches is to understand the history behind the three-piece patch.

Brief History

The American Motorcyclist Association was established in the year 1924. It is an organization that is supported by manufacturers of motorcycles in the country. The aim of the AMA is to promote the riding of motorcycles in the whole United States. They allow or sanction various motorcycle groups or clubs, some of which even sported some sort of standard outfit or uniform.

Each motorcycle club under the AMA had their own name and club logo or insignia. This was the beginning of biker club patches that are stitched at the back of biker jackets. Everything was going smoothly until a bit of a scandal was evoked in 1947 that involved a member of one of these recognized and authorized biker clubs.

In 1947, a member of the Booze Fighters Motorcycle Club made the headlines. The big scoop was blown out of proportion and eventually a movie was made out of the incident. The AMA then issued a statement that stated among other things that 99% of all their members were really law-abiding citizens. It further stipulated that only 1% of their membership is truly outlaws.

This statement was the match that lit the fire that began the outlaw biker clubs in the US. Thus, we hear today of outlaw motorcycle clubs being referred to as “one percenters” or “outlaw”. These clubs broke away from the AMA and were eventually banned from attending the organization’s events.

In response to this, the outlaw or one-percenters cut up their patches into three distinct pieces. Thus was the birth of the three-piece patch that we presently know. That type of patch is made up of three distinct parts. The parts are known as the top rocker, the middle, and the bottom rocker patches. These outlaw clubs held their own events and gatherings to rival the ones organized by the AMA.

The biker rocker patch on top signifies the name of the motorcycle club. The middle displays the insignia of the said club, and the biker rocker patch at the bottom shows the location of the club’s territory. There are social norms that should be followed if one wants to start a three-piece motorcycle club. You basically have to request permission from the dominant motorcycle club before you can put on your own three-piece biker patch.